Music Review: Kirby Lee
August 22, 2007
Music Review: Kirby Lee
Niu A's Little Brother
Berwin Song
Man, I yearn for a good boom-bap as much as the next kid, but when it comes to hip-hop in China, there’s no denying that it just ain’t up to par. Not to take it out on Kirby Lee, who’s got the look and has the desire to rock the mic, but let’s face it: contrary to what they say, Niu A de Didi isn’t niubi; it’s just shallow and derivative.
Branching off from the Dragon Tongue Squad, and apparently no longer going by Sketch Krime, Dopekid Lee offers 20 tracks on his solo debut – a packed disc, to be sure, but it’s an hour of pure hot air. He spits about girls, cars, RMB … and, of course, Kirby Lee. Several guest stars, including his Dragon Tongue partner Krazy Chef, lend equally lukewarm verses. With plenty of flair to compensate for the lack of knowledge dropped, it’s an attitude that leads to tracks like Tell Me What You Want, where he mic checks himself through two thirds of the song, or the album’s final hook – and this is actually printed in the liner notes – “Blah blah kakaka.” A penchant for rap does not an album make.
To Kirby’s credit though, it’s not all in-your-face posturing – while the DIY electro-flang banger beats are basic and forgettable, a few much-needed interludes give the album some head-nodding cred. The jazz break on Interlude #1 is pretty dope, leading into the understated Qu Nian Xia Tian (Last Summer), and followed by a female touch on the next ballad, featuring Kiki (of Milk and Coffee). The best moments come in the final interlude, thanks largely, however, to Danish beatboxer Yepha (who stopped in town for this year’s Midi festival), displaying some raw talent that will hopefully inspire more. Berwin Song
Music Review: Kirby Lee
Niu A's Little Brother
Berwin Song
Man, I yearn for a good boom-bap as much as the next kid, but when it comes to hip-hop in China, there’s no denying that it just ain’t up to par. Not to take it out on Kirby Lee, who’s got the look and has the desire to rock the mic, but let’s face it: contrary to what they say, Niu A de Didi isn’t niubi; it’s just shallow and derivative.
Branching off from the Dragon Tongue Squad, and apparently no longer going by Sketch Krime, Dopekid Lee offers 20 tracks on his solo debut – a packed disc, to be sure, but it’s an hour of pure hot air. He spits about girls, cars, RMB … and, of course, Kirby Lee. Several guest stars, including his Dragon Tongue partner Krazy Chef, lend equally lukewarm verses. With plenty of flair to compensate for the lack of knowledge dropped, it’s an attitude that leads to tracks like Tell Me What You Want, where he mic checks himself through two thirds of the song, or the album’s final hook – and this is actually printed in the liner notes – “Blah blah kakaka.” A penchant for rap does not an album make.
To Kirby’s credit though, it’s not all in-your-face posturing – while the DIY electro-flang banger beats are basic and forgettable, a few much-needed interludes give the album some head-nodding cred. The jazz break on Interlude #1 is pretty dope, leading into the understated Qu Nian Xia Tian (Last Summer), and followed by a female touch on the next ballad, featuring Kiki (of Milk and Coffee). The best moments come in the final interlude, thanks largely, however, to Danish beatboxer Yepha (who stopped in town for this year’s Midi festival), displaying some raw talent that will hopefully inspire more. Berwin Song
